Ballard Locks (Hiram H. Chittenden Locks)

Thanks to Army Corps of Engineers district chief Hiram Chittenden, boats have had an easy route from Lake Union and Lake Washington to the Puget Sound for nearly 100 years. The Ballard Locks carry more boat traffic than any other lock in the United States.

Ballard Locks (Hiram H. Chittenden Locks)

Thanks to Army Corps of Engineers district chief Hiram Chittenden, boats have had an easy route from Lake Union and Lake Washington to the Puget Sound for nearly 100 years. The Ballard Locks carry more boat traffic than any other lock in the United States.

What to DoStand atop swinging walkways to watch the vessels’ progress. All sorts of boats make their way through the Locks including yachts, tugs, barges, motorboats, sailboats, and more. Stop by the visitor's center to learn more about the Locks and how they work.

What to SeeVisitors have a special viewing window for the fish ladder – a 21-step structure that helps fish safely move to and from saltwater to freshwater. If you're lucky you might see a variety of different kinds of salmon. King, Silver, and Red salmon all use the ladder.

Washington Park Arboretum

Covering 23 acres (93 hectares), the arboretum showcases more than 5,500 different plants from around the world. The park is a joint project between the University of Washington and the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation.

Washington Park Arboretum

Covering 23 acres (93 hectares), the arboretum showcases more than 5,500 different plants from around the world. The park is a joint project between the University of Washington and the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation.

What to DoVisit the Japanese garden that features a copper-shingled tea house and 11-tier pagoda. During Spring take a stroll through Azalea Way, a stretch of the park that is home to a unique tapestry of azaleas in a variety of colors, making it a popular photo spot.

What to SeeWalk along the Shoreline Trail and see Lake Washington from Marsh and Foster Islands. In addition to plants you're likely to see some blue herons, Canadian geese, and pied-bill grebes along the shore.

Safeco Field

Safeco Field opened its doors on July 15th, 1999. Years later, Safeco Field is still home to the Mariners, Seattle’s beloved Major League Baseball team. With great views and exciting games, it’s easy to see why Safeco Field is highly praised as one of the most terrific fields in modern MLB.

Safeco Field

Bursting at the seams with crowds at full capacity, Safeco Field opened its doors on July 15th, 1999. Years later, Safeco Field is still home to the Mariners, Seattle’s beloved Major League Baseball team. With great views and exciting games, it’s easy to see why Safeco Field is highly praised as one of the most terrific fields in modern MLB.

What to DoMake your way to the Bullpen Market behind left field for heaps of family-friendly fun. Exciting, interactive games and the Fan Walk will make pre-game time fly by faster than you think. Try the famed garlic fries, a popular snack for game-goers sure to satisfy your taste buds.

What to SeeThe Outside Corner Picnic Patio provides stunning views of Puget Sound. Lookout Landing puts fans above the baseball field and showcases the city’s grand skyline. It’s also the perfect place to catch birds-eye action of the Mariners at play.

CenturyLink Field

CenturyLink Field is the humble abode for both the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders. The stadium is conveniently located within the SoDo district and has earned a reputation as one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL thanks to rowdy and dedicated Seahawks fans.

CenturyLink Field

CenturyLink Field is the humble abode for both the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders. The stadium is conveniently located within the SoDo (South of Downtown) district and has earned a reputation as one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL thanks to rowdy and dedicated Seahawks fans.

What to DoKettle corn is the perfect treat to pop in your mouth when you’re not busy cheering on the Sounders or the Seahawks. The wide range of concessions available, from classic dogs to salmon flatbread, will give you the energy you need to keep up with the devoted fans.

What to SeeThe wide, open concourse of the CenturyLink Stadium provides fans with great views of the game and shots of Seattle’s beauty from almost every seat. The breathtaking Olympic mountain range, waterfront and modern cityscape provide the perfect backdrop to Seattle’s roaring football and soccer games.

Olympic Sculpture Park

Olympic Sculpture Park is a nine-acre outdoor sculpture museum free to the public and full of awe-inspiring sights. Olympic Sculpture Park fuses urban culture with an outdoor setting and nature with art, making it the perfect pit stop on your Seattle itinerary.

Olympic Sculpture Park

Olympic Sculpture Park is a nine-acre outdoor sculpture museum free to the public and full of awe-inspiring sights. Olympic Sculpture Park fuses urban culture with an outdoor setting and nature with art, making it the perfect pit stop on your Seattle itinerary.

What to DoTake a break from the daily grind by strolling along the Z-shaped path that winds around the modern sculptures throughout the park. Or, sit on one of the many park benches, also designed with art in mind, and enjoy a casual read or the views of the water beneath a breathtaking sunset.

What to SeeThe Neukom Vivarium is a unique installation of a fallen, decayed hemlock and the new life that arises from it. Visitors are provided with magnifying glasses to get a closer look at the log and it’s varying forms of life and death.

Myrtle Edwards Park

Myrtle Edwards Park is a scenic outdoor escape located along the Seattle waterfront. Right next to the Olympic Sculpture Park, Myrtle Edwards is a colorful place to take in the natural beauty of Seattle.

Myrtle Edwards Park

Myrtle Edwards Park is a scenic outdoor escape located along the Seattle waterfront. Right next to the Olympic Sculpture Park, Myrtle Edwards is a colorful place to take in the natural beauty of Seattle.

What to DoThe gorgeous view of Puget Sound is the perfect excuse to plan a delicious picnic in this park. Or, if you’re feeling active, go for an easy jog or bike ride along the scenic trails that stretch a little over a mile long.

What to SeeOn a clear day, you can see the Olympic Mountain range, which can serve as the perfect backdrop for family photo ops or selfies. Watch the Ferries coast the waters or look out for the marine life that hangs out on the beach. From seals to seagulls, Myrtle Edwards Park is full of life.

Kerry Park

While many of the parks in Seattle provide impressive views of the city, Kerry Park gives you one of the best vantage points to take it all in. After all, Kerry Park was specifically given to the City in 1927 so that every guest could enjoy the view.

Kerry Park

While many of the parks in Seattle provide impressive views of the city, Kerry Park gives you one of the best vantage points to take it all in. After all, Kerry Park was specifically given to the City in 1927 so that every guest could enjoy the view.

What to DoKerry Park has become a popular photo op for the unbeatable views. With direct views of the city skyline, including the well-known Space Needle, a photo from Kerry Park will be the perfect addition to your scrapbook. Make a day of it in the late afternoon so you can take a picture of the fantastic sunset.

What to SeeIn the middle of the park sits a beautiful steel sculpture, called Changing Form, and was designed by artist Doris Totten Chase in 1971. The sculpture has been a centerpiece in the park since its installation and serves as a creative way for photographers to frame their photos of the Seattle skyline.

Lake Union

Sandwiched between two big bodies of water, Seattle is a hub of maritime culture. At Lake Union, located close to downtown Seattle, you can see the city as you sail the fresh water. In a city where water is the backbone, there’s plenty to do and see in this watery wonderland.

Lake Union

Sandwiched between two big bodies of water, Seattle is a hub of maritime culture. At Lake Union, located close to downtown Seattle, you can see the city as you sail the fresh water. In a city where water is the backbone, there’s plenty to do and see in this watery wonderland.

What to DoAt Lake Union, you can take a jog, kayak, or go for a swim. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, visit the Center for Wooden Boats to see the history of Seattle’s maritime society. There are also plenty of places to sit and watch the boats float by if you’re looking for some much-needed quiet time.

What to SeeHouseboats, similar to the ones that Tom Hanks’ character occupied in Sleepless in Seattle, line the eastern and western sides of the lake. Keep an eye out for seaplanes as they splash-land on the Union water. Bring your own toy boat and launch it into the park pond, a small-scale version of the real Lake Union.

Pioneer Square

The rich art of Seattle thrives on the energetic pulse that flows through Seattle’s Pioneer Square. Delicious food, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and an exciting nightlife make Pioneer Square a happening spot for locals and visitors alike.

Pioneer Square

The rich art of Seattle thrives on the energetic pulse that flows through Seattle’s Pioneer Square. Delicious food, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and an exciting nightlife make Pioneer Square a happening spot for locals and visitors alike.

What to DoSip on a warm latte at one of Pioneer Square’s aromatic cafes and, after, head to one of the many art galleries in the area. Next, visit all the little shops full of handcrafted goods to take home a uniquely Seattle souvenir (one that doesn’t have an image of the Space Needle on it).

What to SeeSee the streets of the past frozen in time with an Underground Tour. This humorous walking tour delves into the city that once was—before the Great Fire of 1889. Venture into Waterfall Garden Park, a secluded area that houses a 22-foot waterfall in the middle of Pioneer Square, to forget the fact that you are actually in the middle of a busy city.

Paramount Theatre

This historic theatre has been entertaining the people of Seattle since it was established in the late 1920’s. From silent films to the rocking performances by acclaimed bands such as Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead, Paramount Theatre is, well, paramount to any other.

Paramount Theatre

This historic theatre has been entertaining the people of Seattle since it was established in the late 1920’s. From silent films to the rocking performances by acclaimed bands such as Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead, Paramount Theatre is, well, paramount to any other.

What to DoWith a full schedule, there is never a dull day at the Paramount Theatre. Famous comedians, musicians, and many other notable figures have graced the stage of the Paramount Theatre every year. There’s always a show, and it’s always a good one. The Paramount wouldn’t have it any other way.

What to SeeThe opulent interior design of the Paramount Theatre is jaw-dropping. A beautiful staircase in the main lobby, decadent furnishings, and an exquisite stage tell a story of the theatre’s history that no book could put into words. The venue is a prime spot for talent, and continues to thrive as one of Seattle’s premiere attractions.

Seattle Public Library

In 1869, Seattle's first library association was founded. But the high hopes of expanding opportunity for learning were shattered in a flurry of natural disaster, budget restrictions, and relocations. Now, Seattle boasts 22 branches.

Seattle Public Library

In 1869, Seattle's first library association was founded. But the high hopes of expanding opportunity for learning were shattered in a flurry of natural disaster, budget restrictions, and relocations. Now, Seattle boasts 22 branches, "Libraries for All," and a dazzling 11-story Central Library: an award-winning architectural masterpiece that has garnered international attention for its unique contemporary design.

What to DoWith multiple events crowding the Seattle Central Library calendar, you're bound to find an event that tempts your curiosity: live scary story readings, free workshops that teach you how to write a memoir or use Photoshop, and kid-friendly puppet shows. Combine the powers of imagination and information, and enjoy most of the events free of charge! —Just be sure to register early.

What to SeeThe bold design is all the reason you need to make a visit to the Seattle Central Library. From Fifth Avenue, the glass exteriors of the library's multi-angled walls shine like a billion diamonds. Inside, check out the Seattle Collection, one of the library's many special collections that showcase Seattle's colorful history with documents, old yearbooks, paintings, sculptures, and nostalgic photographs.

Elliot Bay Book Company

Great books and good vibes are aplenty in Seattle's very own Elliot Bay Book Company. Located in the Capital Hill neighborhood, The Elliot Bay Book Company boasts over 150,000 titles in a space that will make you want to curl up and read for hours on end.

Elliot Bay Book Company

Great books and good vibes are aplenty in Seattle's very own Elliot Bay Book Company. Located in the Capital Hill neighborhood, The Elliot Bay Book Company is boasts over 150,000 titles in a space that will make you want to curl up and read for hours on end.

What to DoWhatever book you seek, you'll find it at the Elliot Bay Book Company. Multiple levels of the store supply readers of all varieties with the material they desire—fiction, non-fiction, magazines, poetry, and more. You name it, they've got it. High ceilings, beautiful staircases, and the tantalizing Little Oddfellows café will make your reading experience all the more enjoyable. After an exhausting Seattle adventure, you can spend hours browsing for books, but you will feel as if only minutes have passed. Enjoy a house scratch soda or a warm cappuccino while you peruse the pages of a classic tale or an unexplored novel.

What to SeeLiterature lovers can see various author readings on average of ten times per week at the Elliot Bay Book Company. Lined with books from corner to corner, the cozy reading room is home to many literary events, most of which are free of charge and well worth your time. Stay after the reading for an exciting Q&A, and get to know the author behind the book.

Seattle Great Wheel

Not just any Ferris wheel can add "great" to its name—unless said Ferris wheel climbs 175 feet high in the sky. Not only is the Seattle Great Wheel a colossal attraction, the magnificent views of the Puget Sound and the cityscape make it a perfect, one-of-a-kind ride.

Seattle Great Wheel

Not just any Ferris wheel can add "great" to its name—unless said Ferris wheel climbs 175 feet high in the sky. Not only is the Seattle Great Wheel a colossal attraction, the magnificent views of the Puget Sound and the cityscape make it a perfect, one-of-a-kind ride.

What to DoAs astonishing as it is to see, the Seattle Great Wheel is best enjoyed while circling up, around, and off the ground in one of the roomy, climate-controlled gondolas. The ride time varies depending on the crowd, but summer hours offer around 12-20 minutes of breathtaking views (each ride is 3 full wheel rotations). Take the whole family with you: each gondola fits up to eight guests. For the star treatment, take the VIP gondola and enjoy leather seats, a stereo system for a stellar soundtrack, and a champagne toast at Fisherman's Restaurant.

What to SeeThe largest observation wheel on the west coast is bound to offer a sight worth seeing. Depending on where you sit, you can see the stunning Seattle cityscape or Mount Olympia. The Elliot Bay view during sunset makes for a romantic date, and during special events and holidays, the wheel offers stunning LED light shows to enhance the night ride experience. You'll want to have a camera handy—the photos you take will be show-off material for a long, long time.